Severe Contracture Research Articles

КОРРЕКЦИЯ ТЯЖЁЛЫХ РУБЦОВЫХ КОНТРАКТУР И ДЕФОРМАЦИЙ НИЖНИХ КОНЕЧНОСТЕЙ

Objective: To improve the outcomes of surgical treatment of severe contractures, deformities, and lower limb (LL) soft tissue defects using optical magnification and precision techniques. Methods: 54 patients with sequelae of traumatic injury underwent surgical repair of severe contractures, deformities, and soft tissue defects of the LL. Contractures were accompanied by extended cicatricial deformities and soft tissue defects of the LL. Traumatic injuries often lead to sequelae in children, as observed in 39 patients. The leading causes of burn injuries were boiling water and hot oil. Results: Various types of Z-plasty were used in 29 (53.7%) cases to correct contracture and toe and foot deformities. Tailored surgeries were performed for severe injuries and extended cicatricial deformities with residual defects covered with skin grafts. Optical magnification with precision technique contributed to adequately mobilizing the fasciocutaneous flaps and the neurovascular bundle (NVB) release. By using ultrasonic dopplerography (USDG), it was possible to determine how the degree circulatory disorders in the affected LL is dependent on the duration between injury and presentation at our center, the severity of the contracture, and the size and depth of the soft tissue damage. Purulent wound infection and superficial partial necrosis of the fasciocutaneous flaps occurred in 3 and 5 patients, respectively Conclusion: In managing concomitant injuries, including assessing their extent, appropriately evaluating the initial severity of the trauma is essential. The evaluation requires using additional diagnostic methods and selecting the optimal reconstruction method. Optical magnification and precision techniques enable the effective mobilizing of fasciocutaneous flaps while preserving their blood supply. This leads to adequate mobilization and decompression of the NVB, effectively preventing NVB iatrogenic damage. Keywords: Lower limb, burn, contracture, deformity, soft tissue defect, local plastic surgery.

LGMDR1 with Prominent Limb–Joint Contractures and Inflammatory Changes Misdiagnosed as Scleromyositis with a Novel CAPN3 Mutation: A Case Report

Muscle diseases with prominent limb–joint contractures (LJCs) are a subgroup of rare neuromuscular disorders. Prominent LJCs are not specific to genetic myopathies. Myositis can also induce severe contractures, especially in the late stages. We report the case of a 12-year-old girl with a 3-year history of painful muscular weakness with generalized LJCs. The inflammatory pattern associated with positive anti-PM/ Scl antibodies on muscle biopsy allowed us to initially retain the diagnosis of scleromyositis. After 12 months of corticosteroids and immunosuppressive treatment, there was no clinical improvement, and creatine kinase levels remained high (over 10 times the normal value). A second muscle biopsy showed persistent inflammatory infiltrate with the appearance of dystrophic features. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the absence of class 1 major histocompatibility complex expression on muscle fibres, raising the possibility of the diagnosis of muscular dystrophy. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a missense homozygous novel mutation c.386G>T (p.Arg129Ile) on the calpain 3 gene, finally confirming the diagnosis of autosomal recessive limb–girdle muscular dystrophy recessive type 1 (or calpainopathy). This case report highlights the diagnostic challenges and the importance of a comprehensive evaluation in cases of muscle diseases with prominent LJCs.

Circumferential upper extremities burn, bilateral Dupuytren's disease and COVID-19 disease – an unfavorable triad: a case report

Upper extremities are frequently involved in fire burns due to the natural protective reflexes. The presence of bilateral Dupuytrenʼs disease and COVID-19 disease in patients with circumferential upper extremity burns can negatively impact the outcome, through severe contracture and a tendency to hypoxia or infections, which affects normal wound healing. Enzymatic debridement with a concentrate of proteolytic enzymes enriched in bromelain prevents compartment syndrome development in such patients, reduces blood loss, surgery duration, and appears to favor a more rapid recovery.

Current rehabilitation practice for the evaluation and treatment of children with arthrogryposis: an international survey

Purpose To describe the current practices in rehabilitation for the evaluation and treatment of children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC). Materials and methods Rehabilitation practitioners worldwide with at least 2 years of experience with AMC were invited to complete an electronic survey on the evaluations and treatments used with children with AMC within five areas: muscle and joint function, self-care, mobility, pain, participation and psychosocial wellbeing. Results Sixty five participants from nine countries completed the survey. Participants completed the sections applicable to their practice. Number of participants within each area varied between 24 and 53. Over 80% of participants used non-standardized evaluations across areas while <50% used patient-reported or standardized measures. Stretching of upper and lower limbs was reported by >80% across ages and clinical presentation severity. Strengthening reported by >70% was mainly used among children >3 years old with less severe contractures. Other interventions used across areas included orthotics (>70%), positioning (>80%), activity-based training (>80%), assistive devices for self-care (>50%) and mobility (>80%), and energy conservation (>70%). Over 70% of participants were involved in perioperative rehabilitation. Conclusion Knowledge of current pediatric rehabilitation practice in AMC, together with empirical evidence, may guide clinical decision-making and identify avenues for future research.

Early Joint Use Following Elbow Dislocation Limits Range-of-Motion Loss and Tissue Pathology in Posttraumatic Joint Contracture.

Simple elbow dislocation occurs at an incidence of 2.9 to 5.21 dislocations per 100,000 person-years, with as many as 62% of these patients experiencing long-term elbow joint contracture, stiffness, and/or pain. Poor outcomes and the need for secondary surgical intervention can often be prevented nonoperatively with early or immediate active mobilization and physical therapy. However, immobilization or limited mobilization may be necessary following trauma, and it is unknown how different periods of immobilization affect pathological changes in elbow joint tissue and how these changes relate to range of motion (ROM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of varying the initiation of free mobilization on elbow ROM and histological features in an animal model of elbow posttraumatic joint contracture. Traumatic elbow dislocation was surgically induced unilaterally in rats. Injured forelimbs were immobilized in bandages for 3, 7, 14, or 21 days; free mobilization was then allowed until 42 days after injury. Post-mortem joint ROM testing and histological analysis were performed. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare ROM data between control and injured groups, and Pearson correlations were performed between ROM parameters and histological outcomes. Longer immobilization periods resulted in greater ROM reductions. The anterior and posterior capsule showed increases in cellularity, fibroblasts, adhesions, fibrosis, and thickness, whereas the measured outcomes in cartilage were mostly unaffected. All measured histological characteristics of the capsule were negatively correlated with ROM, indicating that higher degrees of pathology corresponded with less ROM. Longer immobilization periods resulted in greater ROM reductions, which correlated with worse histological outcomes in the capsule in an animal model of posttraumatic elbow contracture. The subtle differences in the timing of ROM and capsule tissue changes revealed in the present study provide new insight into the distinct timelines of biomechanical changes as well as regional tissue pathology. This study showed that beginning active mobilization 3 days after injury minimized posttraumatic joint contracture, thereby supporting an immediate-motion clinical treatment strategy (when possible). Furthermore, uninjured but pathologically altered periarticular tissues near the injury location may contribute to more severe contracture during longer immobilization periods as the disease state progresses.

Surgical Management of Severe Equinus Deformity in Ambulatory Children With Cerebral Palsy.

Tendo Achilles lengthening (TAL) for the management of equinus contractures in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy (CP) is generally not recommended due to concerns of over-lengthening, resulting in weakness and plantar flexor insufficiency. However, in some cases, surgical correction of severe equinus deformities can only be achieved by TAL. The goal of this study is to assess the outcomes following TAL in these cases. A retrospective cohort study of children with CP with severe equinus contractures (ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended of -20 degrees or worse) who underwent TAL as part of a single event multilevel surgery, with preoperative and postoperative gait analysis studies. Continuous data were analyzed by paired t test, and categorical data by McNemar Test. There were 60 subjects: 42 unilateral, 18 bilateral CP; 41 GMFCS II, 17 GMFCS I; mean age at surgery was 10.6 years, mean follow-up was 1.3 years. Ankle dorsiflexion with the knee extended improved from -28 to 5 degrees (P<0.001). The ankle Gait Variable Score improved from 34.4 to 8.6 (P<0.001). The ankle moment in terminal stance improved from 0.43 to 0.97Nm/kg (P<0.001). Significant improvements (P<0.001) were seen in radiographic measures of foot alignment following surgery. There were few significant differences in the outcome parameters between subjects with unilateral versus bilateral CP (eg, only the bilateral group showed improved but persistent increased knee flexion in mid-stance). The outcomes following TAL for the management of severe equinus deformity in ambulatory children with CP were favorable 1 year after surgery, with significant improvements in all domains measured. This study does not advocate for the widespread use of TAL to correct equinus deformity in children with CP. However, it does show that good short-term outcomes following TAL are possible in properly selected subjects with severe contractures when the dosing of the surgery is optimal (correction of contracture to between 0 and 5 degrees of dorsiflexion with the knee extended) and the procedure is performed in the setting of single event multilevel surgery with subsequent proper orthotic management and rehabilitation.

Are soft tissue releases sufficient to correct moderate to severe flexion contractures during total knee replacement? Role of hamstring tenotomy and horizontal capsular release

BackgroundPerforming total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in arthritic knees with persistent flexion deformities is a challenging task because secondary tightening of surrounding soft tissues makes it difficult to achieve appropriate ligament balancing. In this study, we shared our algorithm for correction of flexion contractures of moderate to severe grade while performing TKA as well as their outcomes with 1 year of follow up. MethodsForty-three patients (61 knees) having knee arthritis with moderate to severe flexion contractures (Lombardi classification) were included in the study. We followed a stepwise algorithm of soft tissue releases for correction of flexion contracture, which included: removal of posterior osteophytes, release of posterior capsule, gastrocnemius release, horizontal capsular release, and hamstring tenotomy. Patients were followed up at 15 days, 6 weeks, 3 months and 1 year, and assessed clinically for residual flexion deformity (FFD), range of motion (ROM), New Knee Society (New KSS) score and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score. ResultsPre-operative mean FFD 29.07 ± 18.04 standard deviation (SD) was corrected to 0.77 ± 2.93 SD at 1 year follow up. Pre-operative mean ROM 71.37 ± 22.18 increased to 107.7 ± 10.38 at 1 year follow up. There was statistically significant improvement in mean New KSS score and reduction in number of cases with poor HSS score at 1 year follow up. ConclusionsModerate flexion contractures can be corrected with soft tissue releases without distal femoral over-resection. In severe deformities, horizontal release of posterior capsule and hamstring tenotomy are crucial, and residual contractures of up to 20° can be well corrected by postoperative physiotherapy and extension bracing.

199 A NOVEL PRESSURE INJURY CARE BUNDLE FOR DEPENDENT PATIENTS WITH PRESSURE INJURIES IN BERMUDA

Abstract Background Pressure Injury (PI) management is challenging for dependent patients in Acute Care Wards (ACW) despite standard care (regular pressure relief measures, incontinence management, debridement, optimisation of hydration and nutrition). A Pressure Injury Care Bundle (PICB), introduced by the Department of Geriatrics, enhanced standard care by diligent and regular interdisciplinary team monitoring of patients with PIs following transfer to Long-Term Care (LTC) wards and thus may improve outcomes. Methods The PICB was delivered by multiple PI Nurse Champions with education of all nurse assistants and medical staff into PI aetiology/management. Progress was monitored with weekly PI measurements/photography and Nurse Champion-lead team review of all PIs. Data are presented as mean+/-1SD. After 96+/-103 days in the ACW, the PICB was applied to 30 consecutive patients aged 80+/-14 years, (60 % female; 19/30). All had stage 2-4 PIs (present in 83% on admission to ACW). On transfer to LTC wards, all had severe physical dependency with mean Charlson Comorbidity Index of 7+/-3, 27(90%) had palliative needs and 24(80%) were bedfast. Cognitive impairment was present in 22(68%) patients with 12(37%) dying due to advanced dementia. Patients were followed for 116+/-274 days. Results PI improvement by &amp;gt;2 stages occurred in 11(36%) patients after a mean of 103 days. Ulcers closed fully after 154+/-48 days in a further 15(50 %) patients. However, new ulcers emerged or preterminal (&amp;lt;21 days prior to death) deterioration occurred in 5(17%) patients, related to severe contractures, preterminal poor nutrition and sarcopenia with 16(54%) patients dying. Conclusion These results suggest an intensive multimodal intervention involving best practice enhanced by PI Nurse Champions and delivered by educated staff with regular PI team progress reviews results in significant improvement/healing of PIs in severely dependent patients with palliative needs. Expansion of the PICB to other wards with prospective evaluation is planned.

First web space plasty using Ilizarov mini fixator in patients with complex hand injuries

Effective treatment and rehabilitation of complex hand injuries are often challenging. Various corrective techniques and approaches have been proposed for the first web space contractures based on a classification system, however, consensus regarding optimal management does not exist. In this study, we evaluated twelve consecutive patients with the mean age of 46.72 years who underwent first web space dilatation using Ilizarov mini fixator from 2009 to 2020. The tip length during radial/palmar abduction and radial/palmar abduction angles were measured preoperatively, after instrumentation, and in the last follow-up. The average thumb-index finger distance during Passive Radial Abduction (PRA) increased from 4.3 to 9 cm, and the distance during Passive Palmar Abduction (PPA) decreased from 10.2 to 9.22 cm, the average passive radial abduction angle (PRAA) of the first web space increased from 21.6 to 58.3°, Active Radial Abduction Angle (ARAA) from 20.0 to 49.7°. The average Passive Palmar Abduction Angle (PPAA) increased from 32.5 to 59.1°, and Active Palmar Abduction Angle (APAA) from 30.9 to 47.7° after using Ilizarov mini fixator. Ilizarov mini fixator provides promising outcomes with the optimal range of motion in severe first web space contractures. • Patients with severe first web space contractures were treated and followed. • The duration of this study was from 2009 to 2020. • We used unidirectional and bidirectional Ilizarov mini fixators for our patients. • Radiographic parameters were evaluated preoperative, at the time of fixator removal and in latest follow up. • Radial and Palmar Abduction parameters were significantly improved at the time of final follow up.

One-stage correction for cavus-like deformity of both foot secondary to the Ledderhose disease: A case report

Severe flexion contracture of the hallux secondary to excessive fibroblastic proliferation in Ledderhose disease can result in the cavus-like deformity. There are few references in the literatures regarding the operative methods for rigid deformities combined with progressive gait disturbance in patients with plantar fibromatosis. We report a case who achieved satisfactory clinical and esthetic outcomes through one-stage surgical correction with bilateral subtotal plantar fasciectomy and the first metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis. • Ledderhose disease is a rare benign, hyperproliferative connective tissue disorder. • Ledderhose disease very rarely involve flexion contracture deformity of the big toe. • Flexion deformity secondary to plantar fibromatosis is a challenging problem. • Flexion contracture may not be corrected by excision only of cord-like aponeurosis. • First metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis can be a useful option for surgical correction.

Natural history of elbow flexion and forearm rotation contractures in obstetric brachial plexus injury.

A prospective database study was undertaken to investigate the severity and progression of elbow and forearm contractures in patients with obstetric brachial plexus injury. One-hundred and fifty-nine patients, who had not undergone nerve repair (mean age 12 years at last follow-up) (56 Narakas Group 1, 66 Group 2, 27 Group 3, 10 Group 4) were studied. Mean fixed flexion of the elbow at last follow-up was 13° for Group 1, 15° for Group 2, 19° for Group 3 and 24° for Group 4. Severe contracture of 30° or more developed in 31 children (mean age 118 months), with poorer active shoulder abduction being a significant risk factor. Onset of contracture was before the age of 5 years but did not increase substantially beyond 12 years. Active and passive pronation and supination tended to decrease with increasing injury severity. Seventeen children developed severe restriction of passive pronation (supination contracture) (mean age 69 months), and 12 developed severe restriction of passive supination at a mean of 137 months.Level of evidence: III.

Treatment of Severe Knee Flexion Contracture After Below Knee Amputation Using Hinged Ilizarov Ring External Fixator

Flexion contracture of the knee is a common complication found after Below Knee Amputation (BKA). This condition is caused by muscle imbalance and prolonged stump malpositioning after BKA. Acute surgical correction of this deformity associated with high rates of complications.A 39-years-old man with chief complaint flexion contracture after BKA 3 months before. Physical examination showed flexion contracture deformity with knee range of motion at 90° to 120° with no possibility of further knee extension. This condition prevented him to use prosthesis and start walking exercises. Gradual correction of flexion deformity was performed using hinged Ilizarov ring external fixator with the rate of distraction was 1mm/day to prevent soft tissue and neurovascular complications. After 90 days of distraction, full extension of the knee joint was achieved with no complications.Gradual correction of knee flexion contracture using hinged Ilizarov device greatly reduced the complications risk of acute deformity correction with open surgery. This technique provides more advantage of minor operative trauma with a gradually controlled correction, permitting the soft tissue to regenerate, thus lowering the risk of neurovascular complications.

Short-term Effectiveness of a Modified Osteotomy for Total Elbow Joint Replacement in Patients of Hemophilic Elbow Arthritis with Severe Flexion Contracture Deformity: A Three-Cases Series Report.

ObjectiveTo report the modified osteotomy and the short‐term effectiveness of the total elbow joint replacement in patients of hemophilic elbow arthritis with severe flexion contracture deformity.MethodsThis study introduced the therapeutic approach of the total elbow joint replacement in patients of hemophilic elbow arthritis with severe flexion contracture deformity, and assessed the short‐term effectiveness in three cases (three elbows) of end‐stage hemophilic elbow arthritis admitted from October 2020 to December 2020. The included patients were all diagnosed with hemophilia A (factor VII deficiency), accompanied by severe bilateral elbow joint flexion contracture, which seriously affects daily life and requires surgical intervention. Clinical data and follow‐up results were analyzed before total elbow arthroplasty and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Pre‐ and postoperative range of motion, pain score, and function score were compared, and intraoperative and postoperative complications are reported.ResultsAll three patients were male, with an average age of 31 years. The main clinical manifestations were bilateral elbow arthritis with flexion contracture. Two of the patients underwent right elbow replacement, and one patient underwent left elbow replacement. All cases were followed up for 6 months postoperatively. No incision infection or ulnar nerve injury occurred. Postoperative triceps brachii muscle strength was slightly weakened compared with preoperative muscle strength. Average elbow flexion and extension range of motion was 60° (30°–100°) preoperatively and increased to 127° (110°–140°) postoperatively; rotational range of motion of the affected forearm was 47° (10°–85°) preoperatively and increased to 117° postoperatively. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) was 6 (5–8) preoperatively and decreased to 3 (2–4) postoperatively. The mean MEPS score was 62 (55–75) and increased to 87 (80–95) postoperatively. During the follow‐up, anteroposterior and lateral radiographs showed no signs of prosthesis loosening in the elbow.ConclusionsFor severe hemophilic elbow arthritis patients, the short‐term treatment effect of total elbow replacement is good, following the strict adherence to the surgical indications and proper preparation for the perioperative period. The modified osteotomy can fully expose the visual field and reduce complications of ulnar nerve injury. The long‐term effects need to be study future.

“Needle Aponeurotomy for Stage IV Dupuytren’s Contracture: A Wide-Awake First Step Approach in consecutive 204 rays.”

Severe forms of Dupuytren disease are difficult to treat. Surgical fasciectomy is often the first choice, despite its high complication rate. At times, amputation is recommended. The authors evaluated the efficacy of minimally invasive needle fasciotomy (needle aponeurotomy) as the first and only treatment for severe (stage IV) Dupuytren contracture using a retrospective chart review of a single surgeon's consecutive experience over 8 years. A total of 204 rays from 165 patients with severe Dupuytren disease with total passive extension digit contracture of 135 degrees or greater were included in the study. Mean follow-up was 22.3 months. Standard goniometric measurements of finger joint contractures were taken before needle aponeurotomy and at follow-up visits. Total passive extension digit and flexion contracture improved significantly at each finger joint. Before the procedure, median flexion contractures were as follows: at the metacarpophalangeal joint, -70 degrees (interquartile range, -80 to -55); at the proximal interphalangeal joint, -75 degrees (interquartile range, -85 to -65); and at the distal interphalangeal joint, -5 degrees (interquartile range, -20 to 0); median total passive extension of digit was -145 degrees (interquartile range, -160 to -135). Flexion contractures after the procedure improved with 74 percent gain at the metacarpophalangeal joint, 32 percent gain at the proximal interphalangeal joint, and 46 percent gain at the distal interphalangeal joint, with 55 percent gain of total passive digit extension overall ( p < 0.001). The study shows that needle aponeurotomy led to significant improvements in joint contractures at all finger joints with minimal adverse effects. Needle aponeurotomy is an effective and safe first-line treatment for severe Dupuytren disease as the sole treatment or as a preliminary step for more invasive procedures if needed. Therapeutic, IV.

Z-Plasty with Skin Grafting for Post-Burn Contracture - Study of 30 Cases

Introduction: Postburn contracture is a very common problem in case of undertreated and neglected cases of burns involving the flexor surface of joints of limbs. Satisfactory treatment of postburn contracture needs surgical excision of scar followed by Z-plasty. In case of a severe contracture of joints, Z-plasty is combined with skin grafting for the tension-free treatment of post-burn contracture. Methods: The study was conducted in Sadar Hospital, Sunamgonj and several private clinics in selected districts during the period from 2008 to 2020. Thirty (30) patients with contractures involving flexor surface of Elbow, Knee, and Metacarpophalangeal joints of hands of mild to severe degrees and various durations were treated with Z-plasty plus Split thickness Skin grafts. The operated limbs were immobilized with POP casts. Perioperative Parenteral Antibiotics were prescribed along with adequate Analgesics, Autiulcerants and vitamins, and proper nutrition. Both the operative sites (Recipient and donor areas) were examined by check dressing after the 7th to 14th postoperative days. Result: 5 and 12 patients had complications like infection, flap tip necrosis, and recurrent contractures respectively. But overall results were satisfactory in terms of joint extension, mobility, cosmetic appearance, and patient satisfaction. Very naturally in case of severe contractures, full correction was not possible by single-stage operation. Conclusion: Tension-free flap must be used in patients with mild to severe contractures. Combining skin Grafting with Z-plasty is easy and has better results than Z-plasty alone. It is recommended in patients of Z-plasty with intraoperative flap tension.

Up to 4 millimeters excessive distal femoral resection in total knee arthroplasty has no significant effect on patellar height and functional score in patient with severe flexion contracture: a retrospective study

Background: Excessive distal femoral resection in patients with severe preoperative flexion contracture has been previously attributed to the joint line elevation after performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In this study, the authors investigated the effects of excessive distal femoral cut on the patellar height as well as the outcome of TKA. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with severe flexion contracture (&gt;30°) who underwent TKA. They were divided into two groups according to the size of distal femoral cut: group A (≤9 mm, n=27) and group B (&gt;9 mm, n=22). The functional and radiographic outcomes as well as radiographic indices of patellar height, including adductor ratio, Insall-Salvati index, Blackburne-Peel index, Caton-Deschamps index, and fibular height, were compared between these two study groups. Results: The baseline characteristics of the participants were comparable. The mean femoral cut was 8.3±0.8 in group A and 12.6±0.9 in group B. The mean changes of the adductor ratio, Insall-Salvati index, Caton-Deschamps index, Blackburne-Peel index, and fibular height were not significantly different between the two study groups. As well, the functional and radiographic outcomes of TKA were comparable. No revision surgery was required during the mean follow-up of 51.7±32.4 mo. No genu recurvatum was recorded, and no patient complained of knee instability. Conclusions: Excessive distal femoral cut does not seem to change patellar height in TKA patients, so it could be used safely for patients with a severe preoperative flexion deformity. Level of Evidence: Level IV.

Postmastectomy Radiation Therapy in the Setting of Two-Stage Retropectoral Implant-Based Breast Reconstruction: Should It be Delivered Before or After Implant Exchange? A Retrospective Analysis on 183 Patients.

Postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) has a primary role in the treatment of locally advanced breast cancer; however, the most appropriate timing of irradiation in immediate tissue expander breast reconstruction (ITEBR) still remains unknown. A retrospective review was performed on all women undergoing mastectomy and retropectoral ITEBR at Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital in Rome, Italy, between 2010 and 2019. The patients were categorized into three cohorts: patients undergoing PMRT with the tissue expander (TE) in situ, patients with PMRT delivered to the permanent implant (PI), patients who were not administered RT. Complications and failure rates were analysed and compared. Potential predictors of adverse outcomes were analysed. Over 10 years, 183 patients underwent retropectoral ITEBR (55 PMRT-TE, 50 PMRT-PI, 78 no-PMRT). The three groups were well matched with respect to patient- and treatment-related factors (p > 0.05), with the exception of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and irradiation. The mean follow-up was, respectively, 4.58, 7 and 5.75 years. Radiotherapy either to the TE or to the PI was independently associated with failure and conversion to autologous procedures (p < 0.0001). Failure rate was significantly higher when TE was irradiated (p = 0.03). PMRT was associated with severe capsular contracture development (p < 0.00001), the odds being higher when irradiation was delivered after implant exchange (p = 0.04). Increased BMI was significantly associated with failure. When PMRT is delivered to the TE, the risk of failure is higher (OR 2.77); when the PI is irradiated, reconstruction will more likely be affected by severe capsular contracture (OR 2.7). However, considering that the overall risk of severe capsular contracture correlated to PMRT is higher than failure, we believe that irradiation should be delivered to the TE. Performing a proper capsuloplasty at the time of implant exchange, indeed, allows to correct the deformities related to radiation-induced capsular contracture. Patients with unfavourable outcomes after TE placement and RT, instead, can be directly switched to autologous reconstruction. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Sequence of flexion contracture development in the lower limb: a longitudinal analysis of 1,071 children with cerebral palsy

BackgroundTo prevent severe contractures and their impact on adjacent joints in children with cerebral palsy (CP), it is crucial to treat the reduced range of motion early and to understand the order by which contractures appear. The aim of this study was to determine how a hip–knee or ankle contracture are associated with the time to and sequence of contracture development in adjacent joints.MethodsThis was a longitudinal cohort study of 1,071 children (636 boys, 435 girls) with CP born 1990 to 2018 who were registered before 5 years of age in the Swedish surveillance program for CP and had a hip, knee or ankle flexion contracture of ≥ 10°. The results were based on 1,636 legs followed for an average of 4.6 years (range 0–17 years). The Cox proportional-hazards model adjusted for Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I–V was used to compare the percentage of legs with and without more than one contracture.ResultsA second contracture developed in 44% of the legs. The frequency of multiple contractures increased with higher GMFCS level. Children with a primary hip or foot contracture were more likely to develop a second knee contracture. Children with a primary knee contracture developed either a hip or ankle contracture as a second contracture.ConclusionsMultiple contractures were associated with higher GMFCS level. Lower limb contractures appeared in specific patterns where the location of the primary contracture and GMFCS level were associated with contracture development in adjacent joints.

First report of SYNE1 arthrogryposis multiplex congenita from Saudi Arabia with a novel mutation: a case report

BackgroundMyogenic Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita type 3 (AMC-3), is a rare congenital condition characterized by severe hypotonia, club feet, and multiple joint contractures often affecting both arms and legs which start prior to birth.Case presentationWe report a full-term neonate born to first-degree cousins from fourth-generation consanguineous families, who had with antenatal history of reduced fetal movements. At birth, he was noticed to have bilateral club feet, arthrogryposis, severe hypotonia, and absent deep tendon reflexes. The patient developed difficulty in breathing probably attributed to his generalized severe hypotonia, necessitating mechanical ventilation.His creatinine-phospho-kinase, electromyogram, and brain magnetic resonance imaging were normal. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) was requested for the genetic diagnosis of the case.WES identified a novel homozygous variant c.23415-3799C > G p. in the synaptic nuclear envelope protein1 [SYNE1] gene. Seven out of 20 bioinformatic in silico programs predicted a pathogenic effect for this variant. Segregation analysis of the variant in the parents and siblings revealed that both parents and one sibling were heterozygous for the same mutation which proved the variant significance and its autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.ConclusionsAMC3 should be suspected in patients with decreased fetal movements, severe hypotonia, absent deep tendon reflexes, and arthrogryposis. SYNE1 gene mutations can be the underlying genetic defect and molecular genetic testing can prove the diagnosis.

Managing Severe Postburn Wrist Flexion Contracture by Proximal Row Carpectomy and Abdominal Interpolation Flap.

Introduction: Postburn upper extremity contractures can greatly diminish the quality of life. To successfully manage these contractures and achieve successful functional outcomes, an optimal surgical method should be planned to address all affected tissues on the extremities. Conventional soft tissue transfers after releasing the contracture, such as skin grafts or flaps, may be insufficient. In addition to capsulotomy, tendon release, and lengthening procedures, more aggressive modalities may be indicated. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients who developed wrist flexion deformities due to burn injuries and underwent proximal row carpectomy and abdominal interpolation flaps were included. Results: Between January 2019 and June 2020, 5 patients underwent surgery using this technique. All patients were male, 2 had thermal burns, 2 had electrical burns, and 1 had chemical burns. Preoperatively, all patients had severe flexion deformities ranging from 70° to 85°. There were no postoperative complications, and stable wrists with a good and functional alignment were achieved, although the preoperative and postoperative range of motion differences were limited, where a postoperative range of motions were ranging from 5 to 15 in terms of extension, 15 to 20 in terms of flexion. Preoperative QuickDash scores were between 79.5 and 95.5, postoperative scores ranged from 25 to 36.4. Conclusion Proximal row carpectomy shortens the length of the wrist, resurfaces the wrist joint, and provides a release in tendons and other soft tissues. Together with soft tissue transfer, this technique can be used for severe wrist flexion contractures.